The report by the group indicates that some members who were initially opposed to arming rangers agreed to back a proposal to allow a small group to carry firearms for a trial period.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ A Maine task force is recommending that the state's forest rangers be armed incrementally over a period of several years.

The report by the group led by Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Morris says some members initially opposed arming rangers, but agreed to back a proposal to allow a small group to carry firearms for a trial period.

The group was formed by an executive order from Republican Gov. Paul LePage last spring because he said he needed more information before making a decision on a bill that would arm Maine's rangers.

Critics say arming rangers is unnecessary and would transform their role and relationship with the public. But rangers say their job sometimes puts them in contact with dangerous people like thieves and vandals in remote locations.